Earning Potential After MS in Information Technology

The scope of a Master's degree in Information Technology (MIS) is quite broad. It encompasses a range of areas including computer programming, database design, network security, systems analysis, and web development. With a Master's degree in MIS, you can pursue a career in numerous industries such as software development, healthcare, finance, education, and more.

Salary Potential for MIS Professionals

According to PayScale, the average salary for an MIS professional with a Master's degree is approximately $90,873 per year. However, salary potential can vary based on a range of factors including experience, industry, and location.

Comparative Analysis with BSc in Computer Science

Depends on where you are, but generally, you won't make much more money with an MSc in MIS than with a BSc in Computer Science (CS). A recent study by Statistics Canada showed this clearly. Here are the average salaries taken five years post-degree in 2020:

Computer Science male BSc: $86,076 Computer Science male MSc: $89,821 Computer Science male PhD: $98,484 Computer Science female BSc: $71,573 Computer Science female MSc: $77,039 Computer Science female PhD: $73,687

Factor in the cost of an MSc and it may be challenging to make a case for an MSc leading to more money. Don't forget that CS jobs pay well for good CS professionals even with only an undergraduate degree. Add in a couple of years of experience, and that may surpass an MSc.

Job Fields and Salary Ranges

You can work in the following job fields, each with its own salary range:

Software Engineer: With a broad range of salaries depending on experience and company. Senior Systems Engineer (Computer Networking/IT): Typically starts at $100,000 to $120,000 per year. Senior Quality Assurance (QA) / Test Automation Engineer: Starting salaries around $90,000 to $110,000 per year. Software Development Manager: Starts around $120,000 to $140,000 per year. Project Manager in Information Technology (IT): Salaries range from $90,000 to $110,000 per year. Master of Science (MS) in Information Technology (IT) Degree Salary Average Salaries: The average salary may vary slightly, but it is still high.

Connecting Earnings with Problem-Solving Skills and Critical Role

Your earning abilities are not linked with your educational qualifications unless you can:
1. Solve problems or create things.
2. Have skills that are critical to the organization you work for.

Therefore, it's not just the degree, but the quality of your skills and your ability to apply them in real-world scenarios that determine your earning potential.